The Doobie Brothers Biography & News

The Doobie Brothers Details

About The Doobie Brothers

About The Doobie Brothers

For a while in the 1970s, the Doobie Brothers were a hit machine, cranking out Billboard heavy-hitters one after another. Starting with the group's second album, "Toulouse Street," released in 1972, featuring the singles "Listen to the Music," "Rockin' Down the Highway" and "Jesus is Just Alright," they began a string of successes that lasted through the end of the decade and have lived far beyond. Their subsequent albums "The Captain and Me" in 1973, which featured "Long Train Runnin'' and "China Grove," then "What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits," released in 1974, with the Number 1 hit "Black Water," continued a remarkable run of hits that still receive huge ovations in concert. That's just one reason Doobie Brothers tickets are still a hot commodity.

The band's popularity soared in 1969 when singer, songwriter and guitarist Tom Johnston teamed up with Patrick Simmons on guitars, Dave Shogren on bass and John Hartman on drums. With everyone pitching in on vocals, the Doobie Brothers quickly formed a unique blend of light, driving rock with thick, tight harmonies that would come to signify their brand. When Michael Hossack joined on hand drums and percussion it further defined the band's unique sound. Finally in 1975 Michael McDonald, the former Steely Dan singer and keyboardist, joined the Doobie Brothers and rounded out the sound exemplified on tunes like "Takin' it to the Streets," that still endures today.

With several original members, the Doobie Brothers are still a refined act on stage and still selling records. Their most recent album, the brand new "Southbound," also features big name country stars like Hunter Hayes, Toby Keith, the Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley, Sara Evans and Blake Shelton joining in on new versions of well-known songs. And though it hasn't exactly garnered critical acclaim, critics noted there were a few bright spots like "Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me)" and "Rockin' Down the Highway."

No matter what, the enduring appeal of the Doobie Brothers runs deep. Catch them on stage in 2015 as part of the Rock Legends Cruise III.